An Interview with Jonathan Mahood About BLEEKER and National Robotics Week”

The lead character in the digital-themed comic strip, BLEEKER: THE RECHARGEABLE DOG, has been named the official mascot of the third annual National Robotics Week. During National Robotics Week, a weeklong series of events and activities are held across the United States aimed at increasing public awareness of the growing importance of S.T.EM. education and “robo-technology.” We talked to BLEEKER cartoonist Jonathan Mahood about his weeklong National Robotics Week series running from April 7-15 and what comics fans can expect from Bleeker and friends in the future.

Q. Bleeker and Skip are heading off to their local National Robotics Week event next week. Can you give us any spoilers? What shenanigans can readers expect from Skip and Bleeker?
A. Bleeker, Skip and the rest of the gang have a great time during National Robotics Week. They hang out with a robot comedian, get in the ring for some robot wrestling and knock over a few displays. (Karl might have a small freak out…or two)

Q. What inspired you to create a storyline based on National Robotics Week?
A. National Robotics Week is such a great event, and it’s a natural fit for my characters to get involved in. I’m not a roboticist, but I’m really interested in how these inventions are quickly becoming part of our everyday lives. Also, a central part of NRW focus is to inspire kids to get involved in S.T.E.M. subjects. If the comic can help in any way to get kids motivated, then I’m thrilled.

Q. While writing and drawing BLEEKER: THE RECHARGEABLE DOG, how do you get in touch with your inner robot?
A. Ha! Who says I’m not a robot…?

Q. Can readers expect more S.T.E.M.-themed strips in the future?
A. Absolutely! As I learn more about the science and social aspects of robotics, it’s fun to turn that stuff into comics. It would be fun to do some special strips for school textbooks…I would’ve loved some science comics as a kid!

Q. What’s next for BLEEKER? Can you give us a teaser about what you have planned for Bleeker, Skip and Lila in future storylines?A. I have a few ideas percolating for Bleeker and the gang. I’m playing around with some new robotic characters that might join the cast in the near future, and some bigger virtual reality worlds for Skip to mess up.

Q. Will readers ever get introduced to Skip’s parents?
A. I’m not sure about introducing Skip’s folks. They’re much taller than the kids….comic panels these days are small! There’s not much headroom!

Q. How do you like “recharge” when you are not working?
A. I’m not sure if cartoonists ever stop drawing! When I get the chance I like to build things…or at least collect stuff with the idea of someday building something. Also, when the weather is nice, I like getting out with my dog and hanging by the water.

Q. If we were to stage a dance-off today between Bleeker and My Keepon, who would win?
A. Bleeker has done some breakdancing, but My Keepon seems to have a pretty solid groove going on. It might go down to whose power supply lasts the longest.